Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes Donny van de Beek is at his best while playing as an attacking midfielder. He said that while the Dutchman can play deep as well, he has a good sense of positioning in attack.
Van de Beek joined the Red Devils from Ajax in 2020 but hasn't been able to cement a place in the playing XI. He has made just 50 appearances across competitions for the 13-time Premier League champions.
He was loaned out to Everton in January last season but only featured seven times due to injury. He's now back at United and will hope to revive his career under his former manager Ten Hag.
Speaking about the midfielder's position ahead of their pre-season match against Melbourne Victory on July 15, Ten Hag said (via Manchester Evening News):
"He can do both (sit deep and play high) - I know that from the past. But his best position is his capabilities in the box of the opponent, so playing short behind the striker (is his best role). He has a really good smell for being in the right position."
Van de Beek came on for Bruno Fernandes at half-time and played in attacking midfield in their first pre-season game against Liverpool on Tuesday, July 12. The Red Devils won 4-0 at the Rajamangala Stadium in Thailand.
Manchester United confident of completing another signing this summer
As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez. The deal is in the final stage and could be completed within a few hours.
Representatives from both clubs recently met in Amsterdam to make the agreement. As per another report by Romano, the Argentine defender will be signed for over €50 million.
Martinez, 24, played 118 games for Ajax under Ten Hag, registering six goals and as many assists. He is versatile and can play as a centre-back, left-back, right-back and defensive midfield.
Martinez is set to become the third new signing for the Red Devils this summer. They have already signed left-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. As per Romano, Manchester United have also signed midfielder Christian Eriksen.
Oluwajoebest
1
"He can do both (sit deep and play high) - I know that from the past. But his best position is his capabilities in the box of the opponent, so playing short behind the striker (is his best role). He has a really good smell for being in the right position." Then, why do we need to sign Christian Eriksen if De Beek is this talented and you knew it
all I want is Dybala. all these players can't hand you epl title
ahmedbruno
0
wellcom to man United
adesinaalamu
1
because we've lost Pogba, Jesse and Mata...so we need Eric, Dejong and Beek... Martinez may be our short term on Matic if we don't get a natural DM. If we do, he could play as CD or right back cos we need bissaka out - and dalot alone cannot do it all. The coach is thinking smart. Another area of need is right-wing bcos Martial, rashord and Elanga all love the left..so Sancho needs competition. Then we're good on a rebuild.
Nice 👍🙂 One mate, I think we can develop Pellistri and Amad Dialo at right wing... Elanga also favour right wing than left wing so we can focus on getting a top prolific number 9
Himacksty
0
let them forget about D Jong and go for Antony
zedacdim
1
"He can do both (sit deep and play high) - I know that from the past. But his best position is his capabilities in the box of the opponent, so playing short behind the striker (is his best role). He has a really good smell for being in the right position." Then, why do we need to sign Christian Eriksen if De Beek is this talented and you knew it
because we've lost Pogba, Jesse and Mata...so we need Eric, Dejong and Beek... Martinez may be our short term on Matic if we don't get a natural DM. If we do, he could play as CD or right back cos we need bissaka out - and dalot alone cannot do it all. The coach is thinking smart. Another area of need is right-wing bcos Martial, rashord and Elanga all love the left..so Sancho needs competition. Then we're good on a rebuild.
yutcklpstu
0
"He can do both (sit deep and play high) - I know that from the past. But his best position is his capabilities in the box of the opponent, so playing short behind the striker (is his best role). He has a really good smell for being in the right position." Then, why do we need to sign Christian Eriksen if De Beek is this talented and you knew it
Eriksen can also do both as we've seen under Poch. It is good to have many options especially since we are playing Thursday football and he knows EPL well unlike VDB. Imagine if Bruno get injured
yutcklpstu
0
I trust you fully, ETH
Obk994
0
"He can do both (sit deep and play high) - I know that from the past. But his best position is his capabilities in the box of the opponent, so playing short behind the striker (is his best role). He has a really good smell for being in the right position." Then, why do we need to sign Christian Eriksen if De Beek is this talented and you knew it
United fans complain aboit everything, Every team, needs at least 3 players in every position and with so many matches to play, injuries and 5 subs next season we need quality back ups
zahhar
0
Now you're talking Am now seeing that van de beek is a very wonderful player
i always think vdb's movement of the ball is brilliant. he knows how to position himself to receive the ball and to drag the defender out. he is also good in one touch play, which is more useful further up the pitch where the tempo is higher
Carringtonlife
1
"He can do both (sit deep and play high) - I know that from the past. But his best position is his capabilities in the box of the opponent, so playing short behind the striker (is his best role). He has a really good smell for being in the right position." Then, why do we need to sign Christian Eriksen if De Beek is this talented and you knew it
That's why you got team player. You don't depend on one player for a particular position, that's why Liverpool and Man City are successful
SonyMontana52
0
he did that so that there will be enough competition in any position secondly, for everyone should be serious in their job because of how you losegaurd your position another person will take it
VDB, Erikson and Bruno all play in one position and remember your coach play 4-2-3-1 so he will have only one CAM and 2 wide wingers
jekcemtuy
0
"He can do both (sit deep and play high) - I know that from the past. But his best position is his capabilities in the box of the opponent, so playing short behind the striker (is his best role). He has a really good smell for being in the right position." Then, why do we need to sign Christian Eriksen if De Beek is this talented and you knew it
eriksen will be playing as a CM i guess
Saiduka
1
He knows Donny best. Ole was just using him wrong while overplaying bruno even when he was tired and playing crap. We shall see the best of Donny. It’s Gonna be interesting though cuz with ERIKSON coming in there will be a lot of shuffling
yh we hope you're right
Pogbacxxx
2
"He can do both (sit deep and play high) - I know that from the past. But his best position is his capabilities in the box of the opponent, so playing short behind the striker (is his best role). He has a really good smell for being in the right position." Then, why do we need to sign Christian Eriksen if De Beek is this talented and you knew it
Christian eriksen can too play in CM... Which also is an upgrade over Cam... His exp means a lot to us i believe he could contribute more to us than Bruno this coming season
Yuabkmoprt
5
"He can do both (sit deep and play high) - I know that from the past. But his best position is his capabilities in the box of the opponent, so playing short behind the striker (is his best role). He has a really good smell for being in the right position." Then, why do we need to sign Christian Eriksen if De Beek is this talented and you knew it
he did that so that there will be enough competition in any position secondly, for everyone should be serious in their job because of how you losegaurd your position another person will take it
Yeydnru
1
"He can do both (sit deep and play high) - I know that from the past. But his best position is his capabilities in the box of the opponent, so playing short behind the striker (is his best role). He has a really good smell for being in the right position." Then, why do we need to sign Christian Eriksen if De Beek is this talented and you knew it
Is that your problem man? This knows his job… just let him do his work
adesinaalamu
6
"He can do both (sit deep and play high) - I know that from the past. But his best position is his capabilities in the box of the opponent, so playing short behind the striker (is his best role). He has a really good smell for being in the right position." Then, why do we need to sign Christian Eriksen if De Beek is this talented and you knew it
Bendiga
1
Now you're talking Am now seeing that van de beek is a very wonderful player
He knows Donny best. Ole was just using him wrong while overplaying bruno even when he was tired and playing crap. We shall see the best of Donny. It’s Gonna be interesting though cuz with ERIKSON coming in there will be a lot of shuffling
Saiduka
5
Now you're talking Am now seeing that van de beek is a very wonderful player